SWIFT has announced the progression of its blockchain-based shared ledger into its first MVP iteration, following a successful design phase with over 30 global banks. This new infrastructure, built on Linea, an Ethereum layer-2 network, aims to streamline cross-border payments by integrating messaging and settlement into a single layer. The ledger facilitates real-time transactions using smart contracts, supporting tokenized deposits, regulated stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies. The initiative addresses the inefficiencies of traditional cross-border payments, which rely on correspondent banking networks and involve multiple intermediaries. By reducing reconciliation efforts and enhancing liquidity visibility, SWIFT's ledger promises faster payment execution. The MVP is set to handle real transactions later this year, offering a parallel track to SWIFT's existing messaging system without requiring banks to overhaul their internal processes.